<p>Commissioner Krissy Barrett says women are more often singled out, often with threats of sexual violence</p><ul><li><p>Get our <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/email-newsletters?CMP=cvau_sfl">breaking news email</a>, <a href="https://app.adjust.com/w4u7jx3">free app</a> or <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/series/full-story?CMP=cvau_sfl">daily news podcast</a></p></li></ul><p>Australia’s top federal law enforcement official has drawn a direct link between politicians’ rhetoric and threats and abuse being directed at leaders.</p><p>The safety of elected representatives at all levels has been thrown into the spotlight after independent MP Helen Haines was allegedly deliberate attacked outside her Wangaratta electoral office.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/oct/25/afp-commissioner-krissy-barrett-threats-mps-political-debate-ntwnfb">Continue reading...</a>